Canopy at Castlemartyr Resort
Delicious Dishes Behind the Portico
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| Smoked salmon starter |
The porticoed entrance to the Castlemartyr Resort may look a little grim on a dull February afternoon. But we soon discovered a green oasis a long corridor away from reception, their signature restaurant, Canopy.
Easy to see where the name comes from. As you sit, your eyes rest on mature trees, just outside the glass (on two sides). And nature's canopy is echoed inside this impressive, comfortable space with quite a selection of greenery, including an eye-catching “creeper” that covers much of the ceiling. Of course, in summer, you can dine and enjoy under that exterior canopy.
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| Salmon with butternut risotto |
In Canopy, Executive Chef Kevin Burke brings the best of contemporary Irish cuisine to the linen-covered tables with a menu showcasing local, seasonal produce. Local producers such as Ballycotton Smoked Salmon, Murphy’s of Midleton beef, Gubbeen, and Toons Bridge are named on the menu.
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| Redbreast 12 |
Irish drinks are also on offer. Whiskey from the distillery in Midleton, of course - I enjoyed a superb Redbreast12 - craft beers by 9 White Deer, and cider (including non-alcoholic by Stonewell). The comprehensive wine list, curated by sommelier Sarah Biret Crowley, even includes a couple of Irish whites from The Old Roots in Wexford (who have been making wine since 2019).
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| Aloo Tikki |
The Irish produce is well-prepared, and a variety of spices are used—though nothing too extreme. One starter to try is Aloo Tikki, which consists of spiced potato cakes served with mint sauce and tamarind sauce (€11.50). Another beautifully presented option is the Ballycotton smoked salmon, accompanied by horseradish and caper berries (€16.00).
The high standards of both food quality and presentation continued with the mains. The monkfish tacos (27.50), featuring avocado, smoked paprika mayo, crispy shallots, confit baby potatoes, and pickled red onion, received very positive feedback. The dish was generously portioned and high in quality.
The pan-fried salmon (27.50), perhaps not as adventurous an option as the monkfish, is still a wonderful choice. It is served alongside butternut risotto, roasted cherry tomatoes, and balsamic pumpkin seeds. Each dish comes with a wine suggestion from Sommelier Sandra Biret-Crowley.
Although choices are limited, Chef Burke frequently updates the sauces and spices, which should please those diners who appreciate some variety. There are just four dessert options available, one of which is an Irish cheese selection. A top recommendation is the passionfruit and mango meringue jelly (11.50), along with the passion fruit sorbet.
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| Dessert |
That dessert brought a lovely lunch to a sweet conclusion. We enjoyed the food and the polite and efficient servers and lapped up the comfort. A tasty treat indeed for our anniversary lunch!
The hotel offers several main dining options, including the Michelin-starred restaurant, Terre, led by Chef Patron Vincent Crepel. Right next to Canopy is the more casual Canopy Bar. Additionally, you can visit The Hunted Hog, their charming gastro pub located in Castlemartyr village. For those who enjoy Afternoon Tea, it is served at Knights, situated in the old manor that also houses Terre. More info on the hotel here.
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| Canopy |
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| Magic Tree by Patrick O'Reilly. |
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| Entrance to Terre (in the manor) |
